Music composer A. R. Rahman recently stirred controversy by suggesting that communalism in Bollywood has affected his career opportunities. His remarks prompted criticism from various celebrities, including fellow music director Ismail Darbar, who challenged Rahman’s statements and questioned the quality of his recent work.
In a conversation with Subhojit Ghosh on his YouTube channel, Ismail Darbar refuted Rahman’s assertion, highlighting the diverse history of Hindi cinema. He pointed out that if the industry were indeed communal, many successful artists, including himself, Naushad, and Dilip Kumar, would not have thrived. Darbar emphasized that success is determined by talent and destiny rather than external biases.
Darbar further urged Rahman to appreciate the gifts he has received in life, stating, “You are very talented; you design sounds very nicely. You don’t make good songs, but you are a good sound designer.” This critique has drawn attention to the ongoing debates about artistry and merit within the Indian music industry.
Rahman had earlier expressed his feelings of subtle prejudice in Bollywood in an interview with the BBC Asian Network. He acknowledged that while he had not encountered overt discrimination, he sensed a shift in power dynamics within the industry over the past eight years, attributing it partially to communal influences. Rahman also criticized the film “Chhaava” for exploiting societal divisiveness.
After facing backlash for his comments, Rahman posted a video to clarify his views, stating that his music is rooted in connecting with people and honoring cultural traditions. He shared that he sees India as a source of inspiration, reinforcing his intention to uplift rather than upset through his work.
Ismail Darbar is well-known for his musical compositions, particularly in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films such as “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999) and “Devdas” (2002). His success has garnered him numerous accolades, including a National Film Award. Additionally, Darbar has showcased his expertise as a judge on popular reality shows, contributing to his prominent status in the Indian music scene.